The Ariocarpus is also called the woolly fruit cactus or star cactus. Caring for this protected species of cactus is not that easy and is not necessarily recommended for beginners. The cactus has an atypical rest period in summer. What do you need to know if you want to properly care for an Ariocarpus?
How do I properly care for an Ariocarpus cactus?
To properly care for an Ariocarpus, it should observe its summer rest period from May to August and be watered little or not at all during this time. Always water the cactus from below, fertilize every four weeks, avoid waterlogging, and choose a bright location with 16-19 hours of light per day.
How long does the summer break last?
Unlike most houseplants grown here, the Ariocarpus takes a break in summer. It must be strictly adhered to, otherwise the cactus will not bloom.
The rest period begins in May and ends in August. During this time the cactus is watered little and then not at all and not fertilized.
How do you water Ariocarpus correctly?
The Ariocarpus develops a long taproot that is very vulnerable if it receives too much water. You must therefore be very careful when watering.
- Always water from below
- only water when the substrate is dry
- water less frequently from the beginning of May
- Watering break from July to August
- slowly get used to more moisture again
Place the pot on a saucer. Pour some water in there. It is picked up by the substrate through the tightening hole. Only when the soil is dry pour new water into the saucer.
Do you need to fertilize Ariocarpus?
From the end of August to the end of April, you can supply the Ariocarpus with some liquid fertilizer at four-week intervals. After repotting, do not use fertilizer at all for several months.
Where does Ariocarpus feel comfortable?
A big problem when caring for Ariocarpus is a favorable location. The cactus needs a lot of light. It needs to be left bright between 16 and 19 hours. In our latitudes, this can only be achieved in a greenhouse or by installing plant lamps (€89.00 on Amazon).
What diseases and pests do you need to watch out for?
Ariocarpus reacts to waterlogging with rot. The cactus should be checked regularly for pests such as scale insects, spider mites and thrips.
How to care for the Ariocarpus in winter?
Since the Ariocarpus rests in the summer, it can be placed brightly but not too warm in the winter. Temperatures below 10 degrees should generally be avoided.
Tip
With proper care and in a suitable location, the Ariocarpus develops white to pink flowers. They bloom from September to January.
